You may not know his name, but we bet you know Chazz Palminteri’s face. The Academy Award-nominated Italian-American actor and restaurateur has popped up everywhere from The Usual Suspects to Modern Family – and some of the most beloved American crime movies ever made.
Perhaps his best-known work is also his most personal – A Bronx Tale. While the film marked the directorial debut of Robert De Niro, it was Palminteri’s baby. It began as a one-man show, in which he played 18 roles, and still does to this day as it tours the world. The show has become such as a massive hit that it even spawned a successful Broadway musical.
And while he may spend most of his time at age 73 in the New York City restaurants that bear his name, Palminteri has still got a few tricks up his sleeve. We sat down with the popular actor after his latest film, Mild Mild West, had its premiere in Dubai in April. Produced entirely by the crypto platform OKX, the Western follows characters as they navigate what true freedom means in the “wild west” of the digital age.
What is your favourite time of day and why?
Mornings. I have a specific routine that I follow – pray, cold shower, red light therapy, workout, green tea and then write for a few hours.
What is your favourite restaurant anywhere in the world?
My own. Chazz Palminteri’s Italian restaurant, located at 30 West 46th Street, New York. The food is always spectacular and I can get whatever I want, even if it’s not on the menu.
When was the first time you realised that your parents are human?
When my grandmother died, and I saw my father cry for the first time.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
What I am now. Actor, writer, director, entrepreneur.
Your favourite book?
The Bible.
What type of music can’t you stand?
I love all music if it’s good.
What puts you in a bad mood?
Rude people.
What can you not live without?
My family.
Dream dinner guests?
Jesus, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Rudolf Steiner.
Sitting on the sofa or out with friends?
Out with friends.
What smell takes you straight back to childhood?
The smell of fireworks being blown up. Takes me back to Fourth of July in the Bronx.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I love the human mind and I think I would’ve been a great psychologist. I have a way of seeing through people and what they need. I am very clear about getting right to the point.
What food takes you back to childhood?
Eating pizza.
Which city do you love but would hate to live in?
Las Vegas. Too hot to live there.
Can you play a musical instrument?
No.
Have you ever been on a motorcycle?
Once. I was 18 years old and my friend was a great rider. I told him I want to go 100 miles an hour on a motorcycle. He said get on. I hopped on the back, we hit 100 and I told him to slow down. I never went on a motorcycle again, but I fulfilled my wish.
Any words to live by?
The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.
Biggest pet peeve?
Cold food that is supposed to be hot.
Do you believe in aliens?
Yes.
What is your favourite Arabic word?
Salaam.
The most niche thing you watch on YouTube?
Succession.
How do you take your tea?
With oat milk.
What makes you cry?
My children.
What do social algorithms think you’re interested in?
Guns and Class B RVs [editor’s note: recreational vehicles].
TikTok or Instagram?
Instagram.
What is it about you that would surprise people?
I’m very spiritual and religious.
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How%20to%20avoid%20getting%20scammed
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Strait of Hormuz
Fujairah is a crucial hub for fuel storage and is just outside the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route linking Middle East oil producers to markets in Asia, Europe, North America and beyond.
The strait is 33 km wide at its narrowest point, but the shipping lane is just three km wide in either direction. Almost a fifth of oil consumed across the world passes through the strait.
Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait, a move that would risk inviting geopolitical and economic turmoil.
Last month, Iran issued a new warning that it would block the strait, if it was prevented from using the waterway following a US decision to end exemptions from sanctions for major Iranian oil importers.
The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Company%20profile
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
WORLD RECORD FEES FOR GOALKEEPERS
1) Kepa Arrizabalaga, Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea (£72m)
2) Alisson, Roma to Liverpool (£67m)
3) Ederson, Benfica to Manchester City (£35m)
4) Gianluigi Buffon, Parma to Juventus (£33m)
5) Angelo Peruzzi, Inter Milan to Lazio (£15.7m
The biog
Hometown: Cairo
Age: 37
Favourite TV series: The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror
Favourite anime series: Death Note, One Piece and Hellsing
Favourite book: Designing Brand Identity, Fifth Edition
Read more about the coronavirus
ARABIAN GULF LEAGUE FIXTURES
Thursday, September 21
Al Dahfra v Sharjah (kick-off 5.35pm)
Al Wasl v Emirates (8.30pm)
Friday, September 22
Dibba v Al Jazira (5.25pm)
Al Nasr v Al Wahda (8.30pm)
Saturday, September 23
Hatta v Al Ain (5.25pm)
Ajman v Shabab Al Ahli (8.30pm)
Rashid & Rajab
Director: Mohammed Saeed Harib
Stars: Shadi Alfons, Marwan Abdullah, Doaa Mostafa Ragab
Two stars out of five
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Overall head-to-head
Federer 6-1 Cilic
Head-to-head at Wimbledon
Federer 1-0 Cilic
Grand Slams titles
Federer 18-1 Cilic
Best Wimbledon performance
Federer: Winner (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012)
Cilic: Final (2017*)
Company%20profile
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